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Is It Covid, a Cold or the Flu?

Woman with Flu

Have you recently found yourself holding in a sneeze or nervous to cough in public? If we do, we feel the need to follow up with an excuse such as, “oh it’s just a tickle.” When, in fact, who really knows what it is? Unless you get tested, it might be hard to decipher whether it’s Covid-19, a cold, or the flu.

Let’s discuss some ways to differentiate whether the symptoms you’re experiencing. Below are some ways to spot the difference and know what to look for. With all 3 having very similar symptoms, it could be difficult to spot without an accurate test. Which, in fact, can be purchased here.

Let’s go over some common symptoms of COVID-19 such as sore throat, fever, and fatigue. Viruses affect everyone in such different ways. Some may experience mild to severe symptoms where some may not experience symptoms at all. Which is why it is best to get checked if you or someone you know has been exposed to COVID-19 and especially important to look out for immune compromised.

While illness from coronavirus and influenza share many similarities, there are a few differences that help doctors differentiate the two. Such as incubation period and recovery time. As we know, Covid-19 can take anywhere from two to fourteen days to show symptoms, whereas the flu comes on much quicker, such as one to three days.

Another symptom that is commonly found in both Coronavirus and Influenza is a fever. Whereas with a cold, it is not typically common to run a high fever. Extreme fatigue and exhaustion are also common among Covid-19 and Flu patients. This type of lethargy usually develops early on with the flu and often progresses slowly with Covid-19. 

Now that we’ve discussed the key differentiating factors between Covid-19 and the Flu, let’s discuss what sets the common cold apart and how to spot the difference. Stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat. All the fun things, the common cold symptoms. While yes, all those can very well be symptoms of Covid and Flu; however, they will usually be accompanied by Covid and Flu symptoms such as high fever, exhaustion, and headache. Which is how you can differentiate the three.

If you are experiencing common cold symptoms, without any Covid-19 or flu symptoms, it could be just a cold. Use your best judgment and be wise. Stay home if you’re sick, get tested, and always remember your all-in-one solution to feeling better starts here.

 

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